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Firetrap Electolar Constructed Denim Shorts
This week’s ‘Product of the Week’ was inspired by that tad bit of sun that hit my face this morning on the way out. And although it was cold, the sun still hit my face so I thought I’d respect it.
It’s a pair of shorts by Firetrap called Electolar. They are constructed denim shorts, which basically means that extra effort has ben put into the detailing and how it is engineered to come together. Although this extra attention doesn’t necessarily mean added functionality, damn do they look good.
These shorts are a lot more masculine-looking then a lot of the tailored shorts I’ve been seeing in the high street stores of late. They add an urban, casual vibe to a look and hang below the knees.
Guys with bigger legs may want to avoid tailored shorts and pick up a pair of these. You know they’ll work well with slippers, trainers or canvases so I’m not going to waste my time telling you that. If I had the time, I’d tell you that they’d look good with them but, I’d be a top d*ck head. So I won’t. We’ll leave it at that.
They are blessed with multiple pockets and a belt loop big enough to even hold G Star Raw’s fattest belt! And in the words of Moto Moto from Madagascar…boy that’s CHUNKY!
You can pick them up here at ASOS for £64. (But remember, when ASOS change the collection, this link will be inactive! You’ll have to get on the phones!)
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Whyred Double-Breasted Shawl Collar Cardigan
A miracle happened last week. Did anyone else witness it?
Last week in Britain we had a snippet of decent whether! But now it’s back to the same old rain, wind and 3.786 seconds of sunshine. So while everyone else sits indoors waiting for the sun to come back out to play, we’re preparing for it now.
This week’s ‘Product of the Week’ will do enough to keep you warm through this Spring/Summer transitional period. Once you’ve made it through, its lightweight and vibrant colourway will help see you through the summer months.
It may be a little pricey at £110, but it provides the perfect answer for those looking for a cardigan that stands out from the rest and says something different.
Let’s face it- cardigans aren’t new anymore. They’ve been adopted by absolutely everyone; from inner-city school kids to city bankers. A few years ago, wearing a cardigan made you stand out. It doesn’t now.
But this piece by ‘Whyred’ will set you back on the road to individuality again.
Snap yours up here
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Top 5 Men’s Cardigan Styles
Cardigans have now managed to surpass the term ‘trend’ and enter the wonderful world of the ‘staple’, becoming an essential part of every man’s wardrobe.
But for most guys, there seems to be so much choice and no explanation of what’ what. So, as always, we took it upon ourselves to make your lives easier when concerning all your stylistic problems.
Tuck in your chair and let us fill you in on everything you need to know about all the cardigan styles. Here goes…
Shawl Collar
The shawl collar cardigan is a massive trend right now. This particular cardigan features a turned down collar as seen in the pictures above. Depending on the design, the collar can drop as far down as your hip or can reach as high as your collar bone.
They usually come in thicker knits and are often used as the outer most layer in some outfits.
These cardi’s are best teamed with a shirt, as the shawl collar compliments the shirt collar allowing it to rest neatly above or beneath it.
Best style: ASOS Belted Cardigan
Double Breasted
Much like the shawl collar, the double-breasted cardigan is enjoy a renaissance and it too comes in a wide variety of styles. The height and position of the buttons affects the style enormously; lower placed buttons reveal more of the wearers inner layers and can be used to reveal a bright colour shirt or tie.
Higher placed buttons obviously cover up more of the body and are usually thicker knits, as they are meant to be worn as an outer layer rather than a thinner piece. Again it’s down to personal choice.
Best Style: Daniele Alessandrini Double Button Cardigan
Patterned
The patterned cardigan allows us to express ourselves a little more. Most of the time, cardigans are used as layering pieces, mainly kept simple to bring out another item of clothing we have on, like a tie for example.
But patterned cardigans present us with a new option. If they are made of a lightweight fabric, then the colors and patterns can help bring an outfit together through combination of colour/pattern.
If they are of a thicker material and used as and outer layer, then they can be rocked as a statement piece like the blue plaid cardigan above. Remember, if you wear a patterned cardigan it’s best the layers you wear beneath are as simple as possible. Too many colours/graphics or patterns will clash and spoil your overall look, making you look like the sweet man, Bertie Basset.
A great way to change up your usual look, especially if you’re fed up of graphic T’s and sweaters.
Best Style: Folk Cardigan
Chunky Knit
Chunky knits have be plastered all over the catwalk this season. They are easily noticeable as they are almost always made from thicker, heavier fabrics like wool. They are a great way to add texture and weight to your look and are a nice substitute for jackets, so long as the forecast doesn’t predict rain.
They come in an array of styles from shawl collars to double-breasted to patterned but NEVER wear one as a inner layer or you’ll end up looking like the Michelin man.
Best Style: SELF 4 POCKET CARDIGAN
Sleeveless
Sleeveless cardigans are NOT ‘tank tops’ the reason being is because they have buttons. They are basically cardigans minus the sleeves and they are extremely versatile.
The can be worn with T-shirts and shirts though if wearing one with a shirt, we suggest rolling up your sleeves.
If left unrolled, they can unbalance your look and make your arms look like long monkey arms. Just another alternative to the standard cardigan.
Best Style: Jack
Right, that’s cardigans out of the way. Before we leave, we want to explain one more thing. I’ve been seeing many guys wearing stylish cardigans and then pairing them with a graphic T-shirt.
Unless the design on the T-shirt is small enough to see in the V of the cardigan then DON’T do it. It spoils both the T-shirt and the cardigan. You may as well wear a football shirt with a suit. People can’t see the whole print and are left with snippets which just unbalance the look and take attention away from the cardigan. It’s all a little unfinished and looks untidy.
But if you choose to do so, keep your cardigan unbuttoned, that way everyone can see the design and the cardi working in perfect harmony.
Enough preaching.
As Always,
Stay Stylish
Aaron C.
Related posts: Top 5 Men’s Sweater Styles, Men’s Stapes – Part 3, How To Prevent Pilling, King Stampede Cardigan
Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/individualism
Facebook Page: Individualism Group
YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/user/IndividualismUK
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Men’s Belt Styles
Right, where do I start. When I first began learning about belts I thought there were no rules, that I could throw any belt on with any bottoms. However, that was as big a mistake as Manchester United purchasing Djema Djema (If you dont know who that is, well he’s a football player who is piping hot shit, not luke warm or blazing hot but PIPING HOT!) Listen…belts are a requirement, not only because they keep your pants up, but also because they provide that stylish visual break between top and bottom. A must.
Pick up these belts and your belt shopping will be done forever! “Forever ever. Forever ever?” (It’s an ‘Outkast’ tune if your lost)
Leather Dress Belt
Probably the most common and essential accessory in any man’s wardrobe, the leather dress belt will see you through every formal event you find yourself in. From business attire to those unexpected funerals/weddings.
Just make sure you purchase a good-quality black and brown leather dress belt and don’t ever try and re-use those C&A belts that came with your school trousers. If you do, we’ll find you. And kill you.
Leather Casual Belt
The casual leather belt is a classic and one that most men are familiar with. They are thicker, chunkier and rougher in finish in comparison to the dress belt. They can be worn with most bottoms, ranging from jeans to shorts, cargo pants to chinos. You’ll know what bottoms can be worn with a casual belt, as the loop holes around the waist will be big enough to fit one.
The three main colours are black, chocolate brown and tan. By purchasing these three, you’ll have every casual outfit covered.
Skinny Belt
CASUAL SKINNY BELT
FORMAL SKINNY BELT
Skinny belts create a chic look to your outfit. A trendier option to that of the classic leather casual/dress belt, skinny belts are now being produced in both casual and formal styles. The skinny belt is designed to reveal more of the trousers’ fabric around your waist.
It’s vitally important to get the exact fit with skinny belts, as the whole point of the slim design is to reveal the trousers waistband. And with designs ranging from leather to patent to plastic, we’ve got many to match our ties…hint hint.
Woven Belt
Woven belts are strictly casual. They provide a fresh change for those looking to add a little texture into their outfits. Usually worn in the summer with lighter summer fabrics, they can also be pulled off with denim very stylishly. For the sake off all things good, don’t wear this belt with a suit.
Buckle Belt
The buckle belt is synonymous with the cowboy and western look. Their width is a lot wider and thicker and are designed to be worn with denim. There is a new style hitting the market, especially popular in markets within London, which allow you to change the buckle on your belt. Designs range from famous brand logos to characters and signs.
Buckle belts are a great way to show off your personality and stand out front from the crowd and the colours and designs available provide an opportunity to colour co-ordinate your outfit too.
Just make sure they aren’t too loud or outlandish. (They are not classic, but more for fun.) The trick with buckle belts is to not go too large with the buckle; it should never exceed the size of your fist.
Wearing your car wheel on your crotch should be left to the rappers.
Fabric Belt
Fabric belts are highly underrated. Less common than the leather styles and a lot more difficult to pull off but when styled well, they can seperate you from the averagly-dressed guy.
They are usually worn in the summer and styled with a light pair of bottoms. Rock them with white, beige or navy chinos to really bring them out.
That’s all the belt preaching from me!
As Always,
Stay Stylish
Aaron C.
Related posts: Men’s Staples Part 2, Top 5 Men’s Summer Accessories, Shofolk Muli Coloured Braided Belt,
Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/individualism
Facebook Page: Individualism Group
YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/user/IndividualismUK
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Diesel Leather Digital Cuff Watch
A designer watch that falls bang on £100 mark?
Diesel haven’t disappointed with their latest design, as it’s one of the slickest watches I’ve seen in a long time. This sleek, leather timepiece breaks away from the traditional design by sporting a wider wrist strap and the chrome and burgundy colour palette compliments the leather perfectly.
If you’re looking for something a little different, but still mature and elegant, then this is the perfect choice.
Snap one up now from our good friends ASOS:
As Always,
Stay Stylish
Aaron C.
Related posts: Flud Turn Table Watch, Top 5 Men’s Watch Styles, Top 5 Suit Accessories,
Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/individualism
Facebook Page: Individualism Group
Forum: www.individualism.co.uk/forum
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